Ayman al-Zawahiri Traveling Between Pakistan, Afghanistan
The Associated Press reported late on Monday that Al Qaeda’s number two, Ayman al-Zawahiri, ‘has been moving between Pakistan’s tribal areas and mountainous eastern Afghanistan.’
Advisor for Interior Rehman Malik told the AP during a briefing for foreign journalists that ‘al-Zawahiri is reportedly moving between the Mehmand tribal area and Eastern Afghan provinces of Kunar and Paktika.’
Malik confirmed rumors that al-Zawahiri’s wife was killed during an operation by security organizations.
“There are about 50-60 al-Qaida leaders in Pakistan’s tribal areas. Tehrik-Taliban Pakistan has been given the role of spokesman of al- Qaida,” he said.
“TTP is the new face of al-Qaida. Al-Qaida has hired Mullahs in Pakistan.”
It is the first time that the Pakistani government admits that one and even several Al Qaeda leaders are hiding in Pakistan. It was generally accepted as truth by media and foreign governments alike, but the Pakistani government refused to admit it under Pervez Musharraf’s rule.
Now that Musharraf’s power has disappeared, the Pakistani government seems to be more open and honest about the situation in the tribal regions.
The death of al-Zawahiri’s wife is sad in so far that she did not fight against the West, but it is not sad in so far that she stood by her husband, and probably supported his terrorist activities. Not only was she punished for her support for her husband, her death also shows al-Zawahiri and other Al Qaeda leaders that they are vulnerable. They can be touched.
Pakistan’s attack on al-Zawahiri(’s wife) and the admission that terrorists are hiding in Pakistan’s tribal areas may very well be a first indication of an upcoming offensive against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Pakistan. The new individuals in power seem to realize that they have to fight Islamic extremists, both for their own good and that of the West.
At least on the top 2 within AQ will be killed or captured prior to the US elections……….deals have been in the works for sometime.
Does anyone seriously believe that Osama Bin Laden is still alive?